Ever read a book and wonder how it got published? No? Well pooh to you. Just finished up such a read, gave off vibes of community college writing class, which is meant as disrespectful as it sounds. Trite, superficial, predictable while simultaneously nonsensical. Hmm. Enjoyable? Not really. The type of story that must be finished, …
book reviews
Law #22 – Give In, Never Up; or, Defeat is the Path to Victory
Early in the 18th-century, the French writer, philosopher and historian Voltaire found himself exiled in England. Walking through the streets one day he was surrounded by an angry mob agitating for his death. Voltaire remained calm, declaring to the crowd: “Men of England! You wish to kill me because I am a Frenchman. Am I …
Read the full post →“Law #22 – Give In, Never Up; or, Defeat is the Path to Victory”
Self-imposed First World Problems
Like most issues related to be human in Western society, this is a self-inflicted wound, one which makes no sense and for which no one in power (see: masters of mankind) has provided a viable, sustainable option. Ahh, the conundrum of childcare. Society insists that breeding is necessary to maintain the aforesaid society, while yet …
Shifting Patterns
There was a point in time when the prevailing winds of wisdom blew everyone onto the path of a college education … get good grades in high school to get into the best college (i.e., most expensive) for the best job (i.e., highest pay) to buy stuff (i.e., biggest house, luxurioustest car), marry&breed, retire (maybe, …
Law #21 – Stupid Is as Stupid Does, or the Law of Forrest Gump
On a Friday morning in New York City, a woman entered a bank and asked for the loan officer, explaining that she needed some cash and wanted to use her $500,000 Rolls Royce, parked right outside, as collateral. She ultimately borrowed $5,000 for two years, at an annual interest rate of 10-percent, and handed the …
Read the full post →“Law #21 – Stupid Is as Stupid Does, or the Law of Forrest Gump”
If It Can Be Driven, Flown, Floated, or Fornicated – Borrow & Return
A line from a short-lived cable TV series offered some advice to young pro athletes that was truly offensive but factual … if one can drive it, fly it, float it, or (fornicate with) it, don’t buy it, just borrow it for a while then give back (to the owner? to the streets?) when done. …
Read the full post →“If It Can Be Driven, Flown, Floated, or Fornicated – Borrow & Return”
Fear Not the Future (Well, Maybe a Little)
One of the biggest impediments to getting out of debt is the opinions/judgments/attitudes of others … “How did this happen?” … “Why so much?” … “Where did all that money go?” … “Could never happen to [insert name of wise & learned person who lives free of any & all mistakes]” … So whether one …
Read the full post →“Fear Not the Future (Well, Maybe a Little)”
Law #20 – Freebird, or Both Sides of the Middle
Only 25 upon ascension to the English throne in 1558, Queen Elizabeth I was awash with the attentions of men. The king of Spain, the Earl of Sussex, the king of Sweden, the Earl of Leicester, the whole of Parliament, most of Europe’s ruling elite … all were consumed with the notion of whom she …
Read the full post →“Law #20 – Freebird, or Both Sides of the Middle”
No, Actually. Just Don’t
Well, lookee here. Turns out – prolly don’t need to spend that on that ‘cuz that is mostly unnecessary. Huh. What was that perfect gem of GOD advice? Don’t spend. On p.314 (no pi for you – heh) Mr. Edelman explains that virtually all expenses are optional. Huh. Well, lookee there. $100 lawn service? Optional. …
The Joneses is Too Broke, Too
One reason debt plays such a huge role in consumerist society is comparison … the thief of joy. Newer car, bigger house, pricier clothes … when in reality, none but the wealthiest 10-percent of households can really afford to live. Enter: credit(debt) cards, personal loans, and bankruptcies on 7-year cycle. Rinse, repeat. In life pre-theKid, …